Stop by the Nature Center to see a display of insect specimens presented by Ranger Nikki. You can see and learn about cool arthropods such as butterflies, beetles, spiders, scorpions and more! Bring your water to this indoor drop-in session. Restrooms and water are available at the Nature Center. MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center Classroom No [...]
Join Ranger Eric to look for and learn about aquatic life in the Hassayampa River and Palm Lake with a guided walk and then classroom microscope activities to get close-up views of animals and plants. This is geared towards homeschoolers ages 6-12, but all ages welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Please [...]
Join Ranger Steve in the lobby of the Lake Pleasant Discovery Center for an interactive display of venomous animals and a discussion of their vital role in our ecosystem, “busting” myths about their behaviors, and have all your questions answered! Get hands on and hold items like snake skins, rattles, and even skeletons! MEETING LOCATION: [...]
Ranger Nikki will lead you on an out-and-back walk on easy terrain to enjoy the sunset and then search for bark, striped-tail and giant hairy scorpions. Bring your blacklight and a regular flashlight. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring plenty of water. Restrooms and water are available at the Nature Center. Please bring $7 exact cash for [...]
50 Kilometer and Marathon (~26.7 Mile) loop in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. The course follows the “Alpine Loop” jeep roads past the ghost mining towns of Howardsville, Eureka, Animas Forks and Gladstone. High point is California Pass at 12,930 feet! The 8 mile out and back race will take you to Howardsville for [...]
The hike will follow the 2-mile Dragonfly Trail in the Jewel of the Creek Preserve. The trail is rated as easy but does have a few small hill climbs so make sure to wear shoes with good ankle support or bring trekking poles if you need a little help. The trails feature large cottonwood trees, [...]
Estrella Park Bird Walk, Second Sat. of Each Month. Discover area birds, ID and habits in the Sonoran Desert. Meet at the Estrella Mountain Regional Park Nature Center. Program/Presentation in Nature Center to follow bird hike. Explore the Birds of Estrella Mountain Regional Park on a bird walk. The event(s) will take place on the [...]
Did you know that over 50 species of dragonflies and damselflies can be found at the Preserve? Join Ranger Eric for a guided walk along the river and lake trails to explore the fascinating world of dragonflies and damselflies. We’ll also see other aquatic and riparian wildlife along the way! Please bring ample water and [...]
Healthy ecosystems are important to maintain. Enjoy a hike with a Forest Service employee, Christopher Hansen, and learn how the Lakeside District is working to improve forest and aquatic health while protecting our homes from wildfire. Suggested donation for adults of $10 Kids and Members FREE
Bird Programs with Joe Ford in the Estrella Park Nature Center following the Bird Hikes. Program will start approximately 8:45 AM after the Bird Hike. Bird Program talk and Power Point Presentation with Joe Ford in the Estrella Park Nature Center following the Bird Hikes. Topics cover bird images, habits, maps, details and bird life. Program [...]
Stop by the Nature Center anytime between 10 and 11am to visit with Ranger Nikki and learn about San Tan’s permitted animal ambassadors. Meet Wally the Chuckwalla, Cleo the Kingsnake, Cherry the Tarantula and more. Informational handouts and coloring sheets will be available to take home. Meeting Location: Nature Center Critter Room No registration required. [...]
McDowell Mountain Summer Night Rides are back! In partnership with McDowell Mountain Cycles, we are excited to invite riders of all levels and abilities to come out and experience the trails! Rides are scheduled for the following dates: June 3, June 17, July 8, July 15, Aug 5 & Aug 19. Rides subject to cancel [...]
Join Ranger Steve for a roughly 2.5 mile sunset/twilight hike on the easy terrain of the Pemberton and Stoneman Wash Trails. We’ll be searching for nocturnal Sonoran Desert wildlife such as snakes, scorpions, spiders, and more! Please wear hard-soled shoes or boots, bring plenty of water, and don’t forget a flashlight or UV light if [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for an approximately 1.8-mile loop on the Black Rock Trail. We will be looking for all three species of scorpion native to our neck of the Sonoran Desert: Striped-tail, Bark, and, of course, the Giant Desert Hairy. Who knows what else we may see? Trail is rated easy, with very little loose [...]
Meet the mountain this summer in Silverton, Colorado! The Kendall Mountain Run starts in downtown Silverton and traverses jeep roads to within a final 300 vertical foot scramble to the summit of Kendall Mountain overlooking town and the majestic San Juan Mountains. Ascend from 9,318 feet to 13,066 feet to tag the summit! Experience the [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on a 5.5-mile easy to moderate terrain hike at sunrise to observe various plants of the desert and watch for birds, mammals and reptiles starting their day. The route follows San Tan and Hedgehog Trails. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. Restrooms and water are available [...]
Bird walk at the Sierra Vista Environmental Operations Park (EOP) led by docents from the Friends of the San Pedro River and other local organizations.
Join Ranger Kevin for an approximately 1.5-mile hike on the Waterfall Trail. Trail is rated easy and is mostly paved, with little elevation change. We will learn a little about some of the birds common to the Sonoran Desert, how to identify them, tips for improving identification, and then get some field practice. Please wear [...]
Join Ranger Eric for a guided bird walk to look and listen for resident and migrant species within the diverse desert riparian habitat of the Hassayampa River Preserve. Along the way, we will discuss eBird and citizen science, how to identify birds by sight and sound, and about the behavioral and ecological traits that make them [...]
Did you know that over 50 species of dragonflies and damselflies can be found at the Preserve? Join Rangers Eric, Shaun, and Evan for a guided walk along the river and lake trails to explore the fascinating world of dragonflies and damselflies. We will also see other aquatic and riparian wildlife along the way! Please bring [...]
Join Ranger Derik on a moderate 2.5-mile hike to learn about creatures that come out after dark in the desert. Bring plenty of water and wear closed toe shoes, a hat and sunscreen and of course a flashlight. Restrooms are available in the park and water is available at the Nature Center, where we start [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for an approximately 2-mile hike on the Mesquite Trail. Trail is rated moderate, with elevation change as well as stretched loose rock and/or uneven terrain. We will be on the lookout for a variety of Sonoran Desert wildlife, from birds and insects to reptiles and mammals. Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and [...]
Bird walk at the San Pedro House led by docents from the Friends of the San Pedro River and other local organizations.
Night Shredders Shred the day away. Cooler nights on the trails will remind you how good it is to shed your schedules and responsibilities. You'll spend an evening with less conversation and more grinning with your friends. First time joining us? WELCOME! No rider is left behind. Riders must have some trail experience. Moderate fitness. [...]
We will hike for 2 miles along the Pipeline Canyon Trail which is rated as moderate. The trail is rocky sandy and uneven, so it is encouraged that you wear supportive close-toed shoes. Make sure to bring water on the hike as well as a flashlight; blacklights will be provided. The trailhead has a bathroom [...]
See a variety of cacti and riparian plants near the wash as you hike with Ranger Nikki on easy to moderate trails. The route will be about 2 miles and use NoSo and portions of Blevins and Crismon Wash Trails. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water, a hat and sunscreen. Restrooms and water are available [...]
Learn about the saguaro life cycle from tiny seed to fallen skeleton and all of the beneficial things it provides in between. This program will take place inside the Nature Center and venture outside a short distance for firsthand observations. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. Restrooms and water [...]
Join Ranger Steve in the lobby of the Estrella Mountain Nature Center for an interactive display of venomous animals and a discussion of their vital role in our ecosystem, “busting” myths about their behaviors, and have all your questions answered! Get hands on and hold items like snake skins, rattles, and even skeletons! No registration [...]
Learn how to safely hike in the desert and stay safe on the lake. A station will be set up at the Discovery Center with information and handouts on how to have fun and stay save in our county parks. A ranger will be available to give advice, answer questions and recommend hikes at the [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on an easy to moderate terrain hike to learn about adaptations and survival strategies of many of the plants and animals in our Sonoran Desert. The 2-mile route follows the easy terrain of Merkle Trail and ventures onto moderate Blevins and a short portion of sand in Crismon Wash. Wear closed-toe shoes [...]
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